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Schiller Named NPR Pres./CEO
November 11, 2008 at 10:25 AM (PT)
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NYTIMES.COM SVP/GM VIVIAN SCHILLER joins NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO as Pres./CEO. SCHILLER replaces DENNIS L. HAARSAGER, who has been serving as Interim CEO since MARCH. She previously headed the NEW YORK TIMES-DISCOVERY NETWORKS joint venture, DISCOVERY TIMES CHANNEL, and served as SVP of CNN PRODUCTIONS.
NPR Board Chairman HOWARD STEVENSON said, "VIVIAN is a talented and proven leader with superb skills and broad experience in the media industry. Her roots in the news business, as well as her inclusive management style and operational expertise make her an ideal fit for NPR. These are crucial assets for partnering with our member stations and generous donors who care about and support excellence. VIVIAN has generated quality programming and superior results at every step of her career, and we look forward to continuing the important work of extending NPR’s reach under her leadership."
He added, "On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank DENNIS HAARSAGER for his dedication and effective leadership as interim CEO. DENNIS has been instrumental in guiding the continued success and strong performance of the company during a period of transition."
Vice-Chair of the Board and Co-Chair of the Search Committee DAVE EDWARDS said, "During a rigorous eight-month search process, the Board met with many highly qualified candidates, and we unanimously concluded that VIVIAN is the right leader for NPR at this time. As a visionary executive, she will work closely with independently operated member stations to maintain the relationship with an audience of over 26 million listeners throughout the U.S. VIVIAN possesses the editorial judgment and sensibility to harness the intellectual firepower and diversity of public radio."
Board Member and Co-Chair of the Search Committee CAROL CARTWRIGHT said, "We are at an important phase in NPR’s development, especially as the media world continues to manage through profound changes. VIVIAN understands the importance of radio as the foundational strength of NPR, and has the right skills and strengths to successfully navigate the company through a multiplatform world where the traditional broadcast business and content businesses on the Internet are central to long-term success."
SCHILLER said, "NPR is among the nation’s most vital and trusted news organizations, unique in its original programming and distinctive voice. I couldn’t be more honored and excited about the opportunity to join such an important institution and its many talented and dedicated people. I look forward to working with the stellar management team, station managers and associates across the country to build on NPR’s solid foundation and grow its audience base of listeners and users."